Hello, I am Iqbal Singh Bedi, a luminary within the world of telecoms and smart city management. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, I am a part of an elite group advising senior political leaders, investors, development banks, and operators on telecoms matters.
My typical day follows a disciplined regime that includes a coffee (or two), an early morning gym session or a brisk walk, yoga, meditation and a quick blast on my guitar. Right now, I am learning Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen, and that’s a bit of a challenge to say the least. I believe in my routine for a healthy mind and a healthy body which is essential for tackling the challenges of the day ahead.
I founded Intelligens Consulting in 2017 after working for a range of prestige telecoms management consultants and we serve a diverse range of clients, including fixed and wireless telecoms operators, investors, public bodies, rail operators, infrastructure banks, standards agencies, university startups, and technology spin-offs. My contributions have influenced national and international telecoms policy makers in government and regulation.
I regularly speak on expert panels and have provided the BBC with expert commentary on telecoms and technology matters and my articles and insights have graced the pages of online journals and broadsheets.
1/ What do you enjoy most about working in this space?
The profound impact it has on society. This field is at the intersection of technology, innovation, and urban development, and it offers a unique opportunity to shape how we live, work, and connect. The sense of responsibility that comes with advising governments and organisations on critical telecom matters is a source of pride. Knowing that my work influences policy decisions, infrastructure development, and connectivity solutions is both humbling and motivating.
2/ What’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve done in the name of work?
Well, there are a few things that spring to mind including a trip down the London sewage network while advising Thames Water as part of a fibre-in-the-sewers project. More recently, however, an epic journey to Papua New Guinea stands out. The trip, for a telecom tower project to enhance rural 4G coverage, began with a 48-hour odyssey from the UK involving layovers in Dubai and Singapore, before reaching Port Moresby. From there, a full day of domestic flights to a remote village. This was followed by an eight-hour SUV expedition through mountains and cocoa plantations, but heavy rain turned the road into a river, preventing us from getting to the village so we turned back. It was a long and eventful journey for a meeting that never took place, a reminder that even meticulously planned projects can face unforeseen challenges.
3/ What excites you most about working in telecoms?
One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is witnessing the profound transformation of cities and communities through the deployment of advanced telecom infrastructure and digital technologies. Whether it's bridging the digital divide by enabling high-speed internet access to underserved areas, ensuring seamless connectivity for businesses and residents, or crafting smart city strategies that elevate the overall quality of life, I derive immense satisfaction from being a catalyst for positive change. For instance, in a recent project, we advised a local authority needing help with a meagre 7% fibre availability, well below the UK average. Leading a pioneering intervention, we attracted over £40 million in private investment for full fibre connectivity. In just three years, the region has achieved over 75% fibre coverage, surpassing the UK average—a milestone that fills me with pride and exemplifies the transformative potential of our work.
4/ What would you like people to know about your work?
I think it’s interesting for people to know about my journey from a one-person consultancy to a dynamic team of expert advisors. My journey began as a one-person lifestyle consultancy, but it was our clients' exceptional feedback that propelled us forward. Today, we are a small yet highly experienced team comprising technical, finance, and economic experts with senior-level telecom industry experience. This diverse expertise empowers us to approach projects holistically, combining cutting-edge technical insights with robust financial strategies, all rooted in decades of real-world industry knowledge. Today, I am proud to announce that our hard work has earned us a coveted spot on the shortlist for a prestigious Connected Britain award. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the telecoms and smart city management space.
5/ Why is a vibrant, flourishing telecoms ecosystem important for the UK?
A thriving telecoms ecosystem is crucial for the UK, underpinning our economy and the way we live and work. In an era where remote work, digital education, and e-commerce have become integral, fast and reliable communication networks are essential for business innovation, productivity, and competitiveness. Seamless connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity, as it ensures our jobs, the modern economy, and service delivery rely on uninterrupted digital access. Whether it's 5G for IoT, e-commerce growth, or smart city solutions, the telecoms ecosystem is the backbone that sustains our future prosperity and global competitiveness, shaping how we work, connect, and thrive in an increasingly digital world. I am proud that Intelligens Consulting is at the forefront of this flourishing ecosystem.
